Loch Muigh-bhlàraidh

Drive north of Ardgay and you'll find yourself at Loch Muigh-bhlàraidh, a proper Highland water that doesn't get mentioned in the same breath as Loch Ness or even Loch Shin - which is exactly why it's worth the effort. The loch sits in a valley that feels genuinely remote, surrounded by moorland that rolls away in soft browns and purples depending on the season.

It's a still, quiet place. No cafés, no gift shops, no queues. You come here to walk the shoreline, cast a line if you're into fishing, or simply stand about taking in the scale of it all. The hills cradle the water in a way that makes you understand why people moved here in the first place, and also why they left.

Families with older children will find decent walking routes around the perimeter, though the terrain is boggy in patches - proper hiking boots matter. If you've got under-eights expecting a splash pool or an ice cream van, steer clear. This is for people who actually want to spend time in the landscape, not just look at it through a car window.

Getting there from Ardgay takes twenty minutes or so. If you're staying at Ardgay Glamping - and it's a solid five-star spot - this makes a straightforward morning excursion. Free to visit, naturally. No facilities whatsoever, so bring water and something to eat. Allow two to three hours if you're doing any walking at all.